On the morning of April 24, the Island Nation's Army's 14th Area Army and 7th Area Army officially launched their offensive against Brunei City. To wipe out the German military entrenched in Brunei City in one stroke, the Island Nation's Army had committed virtually all its main forces.
The 14th Area Army's directly subordinate 1st Division, 10th Division, 19th Division, 23rd Division, 26th Division, 103rd Division, 105th Division, 2nd Tank Division, Independent Mixed 55th and 58th Brigades, 1st Raiding Group, and 68th Infantry Brigade had all converged on Brunei City. Although the 35th Army and 41st Army under the 14th Area Army had suffered near-total losses, the 14th Area Army's directly subordinate forces had not sustained heavy casualties. This meant that the 14th Area Army still possessed formidable strength.
The Island Nation's Army's 7th Area Army had entered the battle relatively late, so its main forces were still intact. Its subordinate 16th Army, 25th Army, and 29th Army, along with the directly subordinate 46th Division and Independent Mixed 26th Brigade, all retained considerable combat strength.
In terms of troop numbers, the Island Nation's Army's 14th Area Army and 7th Area Army could now commit 180,000 and 120,000 men respectively. That was already four times the total German force defending Brunei City.
"Gentlemen, victory is within reach! As long as we can take Brunei City and wipe out the Germans entrenched here in one stroke, we will win the final victory!" Lieutenant General Masaharu Honma said excitedly.
"Yes, Commander!" the division commanders and brigade commanders answered in unison.
Everyone had swept away their previous dispirited mood and hoped to defeat the Germans in this battle. If they could win, it would seem that they could restore the Island Nation's Army's name. And what awaited them would be boundless glory.
"Begin the